When studying abroad, working part-time can help cover your daily expenses, including travel, accommodation, and healthcare. It can be particularly useful for Iranian students studying in Germany without a scholarship.
Students from countries other than EU member states (such as Iran) in Germany must adhere to certain restrictions, which means they have limited working hours and restricted employment.
But you can make the most of your time by exploring other part-time jobs as an Iranian student! Read this article to find out more about part-time jobs in Germany for Iranian international students.
Part-time Jobs for Iranian Students in Germany
As an Iranian national student, you can avail countless part-time work opportunities to bear your expenses and gain work experience. Here is a list of part-time jobs for Iranian international students in Germany:
1. Academic Assistant
- Approximate hours a week: 20 hours
- Average salary per hour: between €10 – €15
- Required skills: research, communication, organizational skills, and ethical conduct
Many international students work as academic assistants in Germany. The position of an academic assistant entails supervising the library, leading tutorials, or researching literature for professors. It gives Iranian students a chance to work alongside German professors, improving language proficiency which can be advantageous academically, facilitate integration into German society, and open up future career prospects. You can look for research assistant jobs at the Technical University of Munich and other German universities.
The salary for an academic assistant varies across different German universities. So, it’s best to contact the respective departments at your institute to obtain information regarding the wage of an academic assistant. If interested, you could contact the administrative office to inquire about open vacancies or keep an eye on the main notice board of your institute.
2. Language Tutor
- Approximate hours a week: 12 hours
- Average salary per hour: €14 – €16
- Required skills: language proficiency, teaching experience, and cultural awareness
As an Iranian student, you could leverage your fluency in Persian and work as a Persian (Farsi) language tutor, extending your services to individuals or groups intending to learn Farsi. On the other hand, you could work as an English language instructor if you’re fluent in the language. Many language tutor positions offer flexible working hours, allowing you to balance your studies and work simultaneously. Working as a Farsi tutor will help you connect with other Iranians living in Germany, enabling you to build a network and stay connected with your culture.
Suppose you intend to teach English in Germany. English tutors must obtain specific qualifications such as TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) or CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults).
3. Courier / Delivery Service
- Approximate hours a week: between 10 – 30 hours
- Average salary per hour: €10
- Required skills: time management, navigation skills, physical stamina
Working as a courier or delivery person is common among international students in Germany. Iranian students struggling with integrating into German society can work as dispatchers which allows them to communicate with Germans and gain exposure to German culture.
The position will allow you to gain valuable skills, including customer service skills, that can be transferable to various future career paths. Working as a courier delivery person allows you to earn an income to support your living expenses as an international student.
4. Waiter / Waitress
- Approximate hours a week: less than 30 hours
- Average salary per hour: €13
- Required skills: customer service, multitasking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills
One common off-campus job among Iranian students living in Germany is waiting tables at a restaurant. However, to apply for this job, you would have to possess German language skills, without which you would not be able to communicate with customers. Although the income is limited, you can acquire invaluable skills that can help with your future career. Interacting with German customers will enhance your German language skills, making integration into German culture easier.
Working a mini-job such as this one saves you from paying extra contributions on your health insurance if you are under 25 years old. The best part is you don’t need many skills to work as a waiter or waitress apart from a few initial training sessions and proficiency in the German language. You can search Grand Hotel Heiligendamm for this job since it is a Persian-themed hotel that makes the transition into this job easier.
5. Persian-English / German Translator
- Approximate hours a week: less than 40 hours
- Average salary per hour: €14 – €22
- Required skills: translation skills, cultural awareness, bilingual proficiency, and reading comprehension
If you possess bilingual abilities, you could work as a translator, specializing in Persian-English or Persian-German translation. The job would entail supporting Iranians in Germany who assist with translating documents and certificates or communicating in Germany.
However, to work as a translator, you might require certain qualifications to prove language proficiency in German. The position is suitable for students who are fluent in German. The salary for this job varies based on where you are working.
FAQS About Getting a Part-time Job in Germany
Can I Get a Part-Time Job in Germany as an Iranian Student?
Germany allows international students, including Iranian students, to work part-time. The requirements for EU member countries, including Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, are the same as those of German nationals.
However, countries outside the EU, such as Iran, must abide by certain rules to work part-time. The working hours are restricted. For instance, Iranian students can only work 120 full days or 240 half days per year.
Similarly, students from non-EU countries face job restrictions. Iranian students are prohibited from self-employment or freelancing but can pursue off-campus jobs, including babysitting, waiting tables, and trade fairs.
Do I Need a Work Permit to Find Work Off-Campus in Germany as an Iranian Student?
According to the immigration guidelines, obtaining a work permit in Germany as an international student is mandatory. However, the requirements vary based on the country you’re from and the agreements your respective governments have regarding working visas.
The basic requirements are the same for non-members of the EU, including Iranian students. Germany restricts the number of working days for non-EU/EEA countries, but this restriction is not applicable if you work as a student recruiter or a research assistant.
Moreover, Iranian students can extend their working hours if they work off-campus by informing the Foreigners’ Registration Office.
Most of these jobs are well-suited to Iranians studying in Germany; however, to find a job that fits your preferences, you must consider your schedule, financial requirements, and, most importantly, your skillset. Since Iran is not an EU member, students must consider the work permit requirements before starting a part-time job in Germany.
If you want to know more about opportunities in Germany, Head on over to our Germany Page for more details about studying in this European powerhouse – from the different universities to the numerous scholarship opportunities! You can also search for courses on our Available Programs in Germany for international students!
